New Zealand. 2012 ‘International Transfers.’ National Report of New Zealand on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA); Section 3, p. 2. New York NY: Permanent Mission of New Zealand to the United Nations. 1 January

Relevant contents

Section 3: International Transfers

Laws, regulations and administrative procedures

6. Does your country have laws, regulations or administrative procedures to exercise effective control over the export, import, transit or retransfer of SALW? YES

6.1. List laws, regulations or administrative procedures to exercise effective control over the export, import, transit or retransfer of SALW:

It is an offence, under the Arms Act 1983 to import firearms or various parts of firearms into New Zealand without a permit issued by the Police. Importers of goods into New Zealand are required to lodge an electronic import entry (a declaration under the Customs and Excise Act 1996) with Customs. The entry covers the particulars of the goods, and where required, details of import permit requirements and the payment of any revenue charges.

Alerts on Customs' computer system means that Customs officials also hold shipments of firearms and various parts of firearms until the importer has produced a valid import permit issued by the New Zealand Police under the Arms Act 1983.

Under the Customs and Excise Act 1996 and given effect through the Customs Export Prohibition Order 2011 the export of conventional weapons…is prohibited unless the consent of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade is first obtained. All goods exported from New Zealand must be electronically cleared with Customs prior to export, or they will not be loaded on the ship or aircraft. An electronic export entry or a cargo information report (ECI) must be lodged with and cleared by Customs before the goods are loaded for shipment from New Zealand. Export entries are a legal declaration under the Customs and Excise Act 1996. It is an offence under the Act to make an erroneous or false entry or ECI report.

Alerts on Customs' computer system means that Customs officials hold shipments of firearms and ammunition until the exporter produces the approval to export issued by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

[SALW = Small Arms and Light Weapons]

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